Sports Unplugged

Sheralyn Baltes is a powerhouse in both the soccer and business worlds. As the Chief Operating Officer of Santa Barbara Sky FC, she oversees the day-to-day operations of a club deeply rooted in her passion for the game and the local community. With a 25-year career in software development and tech startups, Sheralyn has seamlessly transitioned her leadership skills into the realm of sports management. A former Division 1 athlete at the University of Montana, where she captained the Lady Griz soccer team and led in goals and assists, Sheralyn knows what it takes to excel both on and off the field. In this episode, we explore her inspiring journey from student-athlete to COO, her role in shaping Santa Barbara Sky FC, and how she balances her professional life with her dedication to family and community. Sheralyn's story is a masterclass in leveraging the discipline and teamwork of sports into building a thriving career in leadership. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about the intersection of sports, business, and making an impact.

In this episode, I am joined by Greg Matuskiewicz: Mental performance coach specializing in mental health. Greg founded his own business, Conduit Performance, in 2022, where he guides his clients on uncovering the crux of what is hindering them from reaching their peak performance. In this episode, we discuss the secret formula on getting to your best level, why the mental side of sports matters, and what the right mindspace can do for you. Thanks for tuning in, enjoy! To keep up with us on social media, you can find us at: @sports__unplugged on Instagram @sports_unplugged on TikTok @officialsportsunplugged on YouTube @nalumack on all social media platforms. Greg Matuskiewicz: Head of Conduit Performance EdD Sport and Performance Psychology https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-matuskiewicz/ @gregmatu on Instagram

In this episode, we have the extraordinary Gabby Reece visiting the studio. Not only does Gabby stand as Nike’s first ever spokeswoman, she is also a volleyball legend, podcast host, author, and health and fitness expert. From playing collegiate and professional volleyball, to starring on the cover of Harper's Bazaar and Sports Illustrated, Gabby is, and always has been a force to be reckoned with. In our talk, we get into how to practice health and wellness in a jam packed schedule, the art of practicing gratitude, setting records at Florida State University, Olympics, and as always, much more. Thanks for tuning in—enjoy. To keep up with us on social media, you can find us at: @sports__unplugged on Instagram @sports_unplugged on TikTok @officialsportsunplugged on YouTube @nalumack on all social media platforms. Gabby: @gabbyreece on Instagram @thegabbyreeceshow on Spotify and Apple Podcast @gabbyreeceofficial on Tik Tok

Today on the pod we have Spencer Shearer joining us. After playing Division III soccer at Occidental College in Los Angeles, Spencer traded the boots for trainers and now focuses more on Marathon running, as well as fitness content creation. We discuss life post-grad, marathon training, and that sought after runners high. Thanks for listening, we hope you enjoy. To keep up with us on social media, you can find us at: @sports__unplugged on Instagram @sports_unplugged on TikTok @nalumack on all social media platforms. Instagram: @spencershearer Tik Tok: @shearer_running

Today on the pod, we have the founder of Kinection in Los Angeles Ryan Hodge checking in. Former D1 Water Polo player at University of Arizona gone physical-therapist, Ryan specializes in Strength Training, as well as Postural Restoration and Functional Range Conditioning—if you have no idea what those last two may entail, I suggest you click this episode and hear all about Ryan’s journey on finding his niche as an athlete, coach, and student of the wellness and fitness life. Enjoy. To keep up with us on social media, you can find us at: @sports__unplugged on Instagram @sports_unplugged on TikTok @officialsportsunplugged on YouTube @nalumack on all social media platforms. Ryan Hodge: @drh.kinection on Instagram

On today’s Podcast, we're thrilled to have Grace Endaya from the UC Santa Barbara's esteemed swimming team. Today, we're diving into the life, challenges, and triumphs of a swimmer who's not only making waves in the pool but also setting an example of excellence in and out of the water. Our conversation addresses early memories of swimming, tracing their journey from splashing in a local pool to representing UCSB at the highest collegiate levels. We'll uncover what it takes to be a part of such a competitive team, from the grueling training sessions and strict diets to the mental toughness required to face rivals in the water. Listeners will get a firsthand account of a typical day in the life of a UCSB swimmer, the personal and team goals that drive them, and how they manage the pressure of competition while maintaining academic excellence. Grace also shares their most memorable moments from meets, the feeling of representing UCSB, and how they envision their future in swimming. To keep up with us on social media, you can find us at: @sports__unplugged on Instagram @sports_unplugged on TikTok @officialsportsunplugged on YouTube @nalumack on all social media platforms. Grace Endaya: Instagram: @gracie.endaya

Joining us on the pod is Liam Lambert. Liam, whom I met in my hometown when he was only 5 years old, is a player on the MLS Next team for LAFC Academy–the highest level of youth soccer in America (no biggie). With a knack for technical brilliance and an ecstatic presence in the midfield, Liam is one-hundred percent going to make strides in the soccer world. Getting to chat with young talent not only opened up fascinating topics on training regimens and being skilled at a young age, but it also gives a fresh perspective into a sport that can become mindless for us longtime players. Thanks for tuning in, and I hope you enjoy this insightful episode with Liam. To keep up with us on social media, you can find us at: @sports__unplugged on Instagram @sports_unplugged on TikTok @officialsportsunplugged on YouTube @nalumack on all social media platforms. Liam Lambert: @liam_lambert_08 on Instagram

Today on the pod, I am joined by fellow Gaucho and sharp shooter Ajay Mitchell. Before making his way to UC Santa Barbara, Ajay made a name for himself in his home country of Belgium, where he played professionally for the U20 National Team, the Limburg side of the Belgium BLB League, and stood as a three-star recruit with a No.23 ranking. Ajay is showing no signs of backing down, as he continues to dominate in the Big West—averaging 16.3 ppg, 5.1 assists, 50.6% from the field, Lou-Henson All-American…I am running out of space, so tune in to hear all about Ajay’s journey, a March Madness appearance, the international student-athlete experience, and plenty more. Thanks for tuning in, we hope you enjoy. To keep up with us on social media, you can find us at: @sports__unplugged on Instagram @sports_unplugged on TikTok @officialsportsunplugged on YouTube @nalumack on all social media platforms. Ajay Mitchell: @thatboyjay_3

On today’s episode of the pod, I am joined by Brian Donahoe, one of the most innovative and hardworking health practitioners around. After a stint of being frustrated with various inefficiencies he saw in the healthcare system while dealing with personal health issues, Brian was devoted to creating a change. Using ancient Eastern wisdom and modern Western practices, he created a specialized blend of the two and applied it to his own practice. From New York to California, Brian continues to develop his holistic approach to understanding and nurturing the body. We get into this and much more—thanks for listening, and you hope you enjoy it. Also wanted to take the time to shoutout to Brian's Wife Alex who works behind the scenes and was able to make this all possible. To keep up with us on social media, you can find us at: @sports__unplugged on Instagram @sports_unplugged on TikTok @officlasportsunplugged on Youtube @nalumack on all social media platforms. Brian Donahoe: Website: https://shengeneration.com/ Instagram: @shengeneration @briandonahoe_

On this episode of the pod, I am joined by the one and only, Minnesota-native, Darin Olien. Darin is an author, podcast host, and an absolute wellness and superfoods genius. You may recognize him from his part on “Down to Earth,” the show lead by no other than actor Zac Efron, where the two set off on finding healthy and sustainable ways of living. We get into this, the correlation between mind and body, his experiences with Laird Hamilton and MUCH, much more. Trust me, you don’t wanna miss this one! Thanks for clickin’, enjoy. To keep up with us on social media, you can find us at: @sports__unplugged on Instagram @sports_unplugged on TikTok @officlasportsunplugged on Youtube @nalumack on all social media platforms. Darin; @darinolien on Instagram Website: https://darinolien.com/about/ Check out his podcast "The Darin Olien Show" across all platforms.

On the pod today is Lena Silano. Lena is currently a player in the NWSL, belonging to Washington Spirit. But way before that, she was one of my fellow Agoura Chargers classmates who then went on to play for Long Beach State. In the pod, we discuss what it was like to develop as a player, her experience being featured on SportsCenter, and the unique transition of going from college to pro. To keep up with us on social media, you can find us at: @sports__unplugged on Instagram @sports_unplugged on TikTok @officlasportsunplugged on Youtube @nalumack on all social media platforms. Lena Silano @lenasilano on Instagram

Visiting the podcast today is former Gaucho and current Professional soccer player, Carson Vom Steeg. Carson’s experience includes being on the US Youth National Team, winning a “Natty” with Stanford, getting back to his hometown roots by transferring to UCSB, and playing for USL Championship side Memphis 901. We get into all that and much more on this episode; you won’t wanna miss it. Enjoy. To keep up with us on social media, you can find us at: @sports__unplugged on Instagram @sports_unplugged on TikTok @nalumack on all social media platforms. Carson Vom Steeg: @carson_vs on Instagram

On today’s episode, I had the honor of chatting with Dr. Jeffrey J. Riepe, CEO of MoveLab: the hub for “human performance, rehabilitation, and sports science.” After earning his DPT at USC and working for sports medicine in the NFL and NCAA, Dr. Riepe used his expertise in movement analysis to implement fascinating and innovative technology at MoveLab, including 2D/3D high-speed motion capture systems and wireless-EMG technology. We get into the usage of data in sports, the differences between being in season and off, and my personal favorite: VO2 Max testing. I loved nerding out with Dr. Riepe on this episode, and I hope you enjoy our conversation. To keep up with us on social media, you can find us at: @sports__unplugged on Instagram @sports_unplugged on TikTok @nalumack on all social media platforms. Movelab: @movelabla on Instagram

Reigning from the Southern California town SImi Valley, we have Sam Fisher joining us on the pod today. After playing for local soccer club Real SoCal, Sam continued her soccer journey by committing to Notre Dame in Indiana. From going through the processes of professional soccer to growing up in a family of athletes, Sam is truly an attacking midfielder on and off the pitch. Thanks for listening, enjoy! To keep up with us on social media, you can find us at: @sports__unplugged on Instagram @sports_unplugged on TikTok @officialsportsunplugged on YouTube @nalumack on all social media platforms. Sam Fisher: Instagram @samfishherr

In this episode, I sit down with Thousand Oaks native Noah Dollenmayer. As a 6’6 left-footed center back, Noah is no stranger to making his presence known on any field he stands on. After playing collegiate soccer for Oxnard College JC, Cal State Fullerton and San Bernardino, Noah was selected by LAFC in the 2022 MLS Draft. In our conversation, Noah and I get into how we navigated soccer during a global pandemic, the intense feelings of being in the MLS draft, what playing alongside top European talent is like, and much more. Thanks for tuning in, and we hope you enjoy. To keep up with us on social media, follow @sports__unplugged on Instagram, @sports_unplugged on TikTok, and @nalumack on all social media platforms. Noah Dollenmayer Instagram: noah_dollenmayer

In today’s podcast my guest is Locatelli Rao. Loc is a physical therapist that specializes in biomechanics including PRI, FRC, and DNS. Loc has his masters in exercise science from USC and over 20 years of experience. Loc has worked with patients of all forms from professional athletes to regular everyday people that want to move better and get out of pain. Loc has personally helped me return from multiple injuries and helped me get back to playing the sport I love. soccer. Loc to me is more than a PT, he is one of the most complex, knowledgeable, and fascinating minds that I have come across. The way he looks at life is truly admirable and I hope you can learn one or two things from his story as I have. We talk about: -his childhood -his passion for exercise science -what PRI is -the difference between regular PT and PRI -how he helped me return to my sport -his fascination with golf -what success looks like for him Social Media: Nalu Mack Instagram: @nalumack @sports__unplugged Tik Tok: @sports_unplugged Locatelli Rao: Instagram drlocrao Website: https://www.drlocrao.com/ Original Music, Audio Editing, and Graphic Design by Rigo Barragan Instagram: @roryknightsucks

On this week’s episode of the podcast I have another one of my teammates from our UC Santa Barbara Men’s Soccer team, Salvador “Chava” Aguilar. In 2022, Chava started 3x Big West Offensive Player of the Week second in the Big West in average .222 game winning goals per game and 2nd in average points per game. In 2021, Chava started in nine and played in 21 games for the Gauchos. Chava racked up just under 900 total minutes played scoring six goals while averaging 1.24 shots per game in his first season as a gaucho, earned All-Big West Second Team and Big West All-Freshman Team. In the podcast we talk about his first experiences of soccer at a young age, what sparked his love for the game, playing for san jose earthquakes academy, training with professionals, commiting to his dream school, his favorite moment of college soccer so far, silencing 10,000 people, the heavy demands of a student athlete, recovery from a long term injury and much more!!!!!!!!!!!!! Social Media: Nalu Mack Instagram: @nalumack @sports__unplugged Tik Tok: @sports_unplugged Chava Aguilar Instagram: @chava.r77 Original Music, Audio Editing, and Graphic Design by Rigo Barragan Instagram: @roryknightsucks

In this episode of the podcast I have my good friend and fellow teammate, Mikkel Goeling. Mikkel is an exciting and dynamic midfielder from Copenhagen, Denmark. In the podcast we discuss his journey through soccer. We talk about what it was like to grow up in Denmark, how he was introduced to soccer, his expectations for the upcoming season at UCSB, what makes him special on the field, his experiences of playing in America, and much more!!! Social Media: Nalu Mack Instagram: @nalumack @sports__unplugged Tik Tok: @sports_unplugged Mikkel Goeling Instagram: @mikkel_goeling Original Music, Audio Editing, and Graphic Design by Rigo Barragan Instagram: @roryknightsucks

In this week’s episode of the podcast I have my fellow UC Santa Barbara teammate Filip Basili. Filip is a dynamic midfielder from Bergen, Norway and played club soccer playing for SK Brann before coming to UC Santa Barbara. In 2022, Filip appeared in all 20 games for the gauchos, he was a key piece of the gaucho midfield, helped the team to earn eight shutouts on the year, and recorded a goal and an assist against Cal Baptist. Flip was named to the Big West All-Freshman Team. In the podcast we discuss growing up in Norway, what his recruiting process looked like, what the feeling of winning means to him, What it was like to serve in the norwegian army his favorite part about playing soccer at UC Santa Barbara, what happiness looks like for him and much more. Nalu Mack Instagram: @nalumack @sports__unplugged Tik Tok: @sports_unplugged Filip Basili Instagram: @filipbasili Original Music, Audio Editing, and Graphic Design by Rigo Barragan Instagram: @roryknightsucks

In this special episode of the podcast I have three of our Freshman from our Men’s Soccer team, Kaden Standish, Carl Mollerberg, and Kavi Krishnan. Kaden is an exciting attacking midfielder from Danville California. Carl is a highly touted central midfielder from Stockholm Sweden. Kavi is a versatile and threatening attacking player from San Jose. In this Podcast we discuss what are their thoughts and expectations for the upcoming season, what they are most looking forward to, what their favorite part about USCB is, what is their mindset during a game, why they choose UCSB, and how they think they will develop over the course of their first season at UCSB. Social Media: Nalu Mack Instagram: @nalumack @sports__unplugged Tik Tok: @sports_unplugged Kaden Standish Instagram: @kaden.standish Carl Mollerberg Instagram: @callemollerberg Kavi Krishnan Instagram @kavi.n1k Original Music, Audio Editing, and Graphic Design by Rigo Barragan Instagram: @roryknightsucks